Brittany Spaniels

Group: Sporting Dog

Weight: 30-40 lbs

Height: 17.5-20.5 inches

Overview
It is believed that the Brittany is a result of a crossing between the Orange and White Setter and an unknown French dog. The Brittany is an energetic dog that has its origin in Brittany, a province in France. Brittanys are very flexible hunting dogs, and one of the most admired pointing breeds used for bird hunting. In a number of countries people refer to this breed as the Brittany Spaniel, but in the United States they are referred to as just the Brittany.

Temperament
The Brittany is a very dependable, dedicated, content and intense dog. This breed is very fond of playing, and they love to exercise as they have plenty of energy. Brittanys are extremely intelligent and obedient dogs that are very easy to train. This breed is suitable for new dog owners as well as experienced dog owners. These dogs love the attention of humans, and it is very important to not desert these dogs. If they are bored, they may become destructive. The Brittany is a very responsive dog that is keen on pleasing its owner and family. These dogs are also very autonomous, spirited and full of live. They adore being involved with the family when there is fun and action.

Care
The Brittany has a beautiful soft and feathered coat. Some effort is needed to keep the coat in a good condition. The coat of the Brittany should be brushed about two times during the week as this will prevent mats from forming and remove dead hairs. This breed is also medium shedding dog that can shed more on a seasonal basis. When it is shedding season, more grooming is required.

Training
Brittanys are peaceful and steady dog that gets on well with children. They also get along well with other animals, but it is very important that you socialise the Brittany from a very early age onwards. They tend to be wary of strangers, and can also be fairly nervous at times. Seeing that the Brittany is very caring toward their families, they make excellent watchdogs. The Brittany will raise an alarm when necessary, but will not bark excessively. Some of the Brittanys can be fairly withdrawn, and to stop this from happening, early socialisation is required.

Health problems
This breed struggles with glaucoma which is an increased pressure within the eye. This can be both a genetic problem and a less important problem when an additional eye condition causes the increase of fluid. The Brittany also has problems with spinal paralysis and hip dysplasia in some of the dogs.

Information on the Brittany Spaniel
It is a versatile hunter, ideal for hunters who want a compact dog that can cover a lot of ground.

Because it is moderately sized, good-natured and easy to care for, the Brittany Spaniel is also popular as a companion dog, particularly for active persons.

Appearance of the Brittany Spaniel
Height: 17 - 21 inches
Weight: 35 - 40 pounds
Lifespan: About 10-12 years

The Brittany is a medium-sized dog with a long, lightly feathered single coat. The tail is either naturally short or docked to less than four inches. The ears are triangular shaped and short, slightly fringed and hang close to the head. The eyes are amber or hazel, depending on the coat color.

Brittany Spaniels colors include colors Orange & White, Liver & White, Black & White, Liver Tri-color, and Black Tricolor. Regular brushing of the coat is really all that is needed to keep it in good condition. Check the ears carefully, especially when the dog has been out in rough or brushy terrain. This breed is a light shedder.

Use of Brittany Spaniels in the field
The Brittany Spaniel points and hunts very similar to the manner of a setter and is used especially for hunting woodcock, partridge, and hare. An intelligent, active and enthusiastic hunter, this dog is easy to handle and train. Brittany Spaniels are resistant to cold and damp conditions and adapts to all types of terrain: woods, plains or hills. They have a marvelous instinct for retrieving from water.

The Brittany Spaniel is highly trainable and obedient but is very sensitive to reprimand. A gentle training approach is best. They are very active animals and have great stamina. When they are not hunting they need to be taken out on long daily walks or jogs.

The Brittany Spaniel at Home
The Brittany Spaniel is a loving and gentle animal that will get along very well with other members of the family. They are good with children if they are raised with them, and get along well with other animals.

The Brittany is not recommended for apartment life. Brittanys need extensive exercise. They should be taken on a long, brisk daily walk and do best with an active outdoor person or hunter. Brittanys who lack in mental/physical exercise may become nervous and or timid if unable to burn off energy.

The History of the Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel originated in Brittany, a province in France. It is thought to be a cross between a Spaniel, a Pointer and perhaps the Orange & White Setter. They are most often found in the United Kingdom and France, but are also used as gun dogs in the United States. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1938 and is often referred to simply as the Brittany instead of the Brittany Spaniel.

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